Explorer West Middle Schoolhttp://explorer-west.org
Middle School - Seattle, WAThu, 08 Dec 2016 17:35:31 +0000en-UShourly1Reach For The Stars Fundraiser a Huge Success!http://explorer-west.org/reach-for-the-stars-fundraiser-a-huge-success/
Tue, 06 Dec 2016 20:47:16 +0000http://explorer-west.org/?p=4491Our 2nd annual Reach for the Stars luncheon on October 24 was a huge success thanks to our 100+ guests. Old friends, new friends, Explorer West alumni, families and board trustees connected for an afternoon of fundraising, hugs and smiles. A wonderful lunch was prepared by FareStart.

Keynote speaker, John McKay, former United States Attorney and Seattle native, shared empowering stories with our guests. 2016 EW graduate Devon Graves inspired us with his talk about his “Change The World” 8th grade project and shared his Explorer West experiences with enthusiasm and pride!

Together we raised over $65,000 for the Rick Marting Endowment and we’re more than halfway to our target for the matching challenge of $125,000. Thanks to our generous contributors we are confident we will reach our $125,000 goal.

We were honored to have Explorer West founder Debbe Hirata attend the luncheon.

“Explorer West is a school built on respect, diversity and inclusivity,” said Ms. Hirata. “We ensure accessibility to as many students possible through scholarship funds. Those funds don’t come out of thin air, they come from the hearts of our supporters. My sincere thanks to all who showed their commitment by giving. It simply cannot be done without you.”

A heartfelt THANK YOU on behalf of the Explorer West community to everyone who attended. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the school, or haven’t been by recently, please contact us and come for a visit.

]]>Explorer West Alumnus Writes “Letter to the Next President”http://explorer-west.org/explorer-west-alumnus-writes-letter-to-the-next-president/
Mon, 07 Nov 2016 19:45:36 +0000http://explorer-west.org/?p=4478Explorer West Alumnus Karen Casillas-Tapia, class of 2016 and current freshman at West Seattle High School, joined her classmates in a nationwide project called “Letter To The Next President.” Karen’s letter focused on youth homelessness, the subject of her Explorer West 8th grade “Change The World” project. Watch Karen’s video interview with the West Seattle Blog here.

]]>Explorer West Students Protect Longfellow Creek’s Habitat – Save Salmonhttp://explorer-west.org/explorer-west-students-protect-longfellow-creeks-habitat-save-salmon/
Mon, 31 Oct 2016 16:35:44 +0000http://explorer-west.org/?p=4470Three Explorer West eight graders, Colby, Felix and Tad, volunteered their time, energy and muscles planting trees along Longfellow Creek. It was part of an ongoing restoration effort by EarthCorps, a volunteer based organization that inspires communities across the globe to dramatically improve their relationship with the environment.

West Seattle’s Longfellow Creek is the second largest salmon bearing creek in Seattle. Every year, salmon return to the creek and 70% of them die before they can spawn due to polluted stormwater runoff made worse by forests clogged with invasive species. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and naturally filter rain water, absorb toxins in the air, produce clean oxygen and provide living spaces for wildlife.

The students planted numerous trees along the creek to slow down stormwater, remove pollution, provide habitat and restore a healthy greenspace.

The volunteer work that Colby, Felix and Tad did last weekend is very similar to the ongoing work Explorer West students do for their communities year round including trail restoration, park clean up and other community services.

We are so proud of our Explorer West students. They are the earth’s stewards and consistently exhibit our values. Integrity, sustainability and service.

REACH FOR THE STARS FUNDRAISER LUNCHEON

Please join the Board of Trustees and Head of School Evan Hundley at our second annual fundraiser luncheon to help deserving students from families of modest means to attend Explorer West Middle School.

All funds raised at this event will be added to our Rick Marting Endowment Fund, for the purpose of providing scholarships and promoting diversity at Explorer West Middle School.

Enjoy a memorable luncheon prepared by FareStart “Catering With A Cause.”

With your help, all students who graduate from Explorer West Middle School will emerge as true champions of personal responsibility, honesty, hard work and character.

Funds raised at this luncheon will provide promising, low income students, many of whom are Rainier Scholars, with an extraordinary middle school education.

Guest Speaker: JOHN MCKAY, Former U.S. Attorney, Western Washington Attorney, Davis Wright Tremaine

In 2015-2016 30% of all families received financial aid In 2015-2016 21% of our tuition revenue was dedicated to nancial aid

]]>Explorer West Alumni Gather for 20th Reunion Celebrationhttp://explorer-west.org/explorer-west-alumni-gather-for-20th-reunion-celebration/
Fri, 30 Sep 2016 01:13:46 +0000http://explorer-west.org/?p=4397To celebrate Explorer West Middle School’s 20th Anniversary this past summer, alumni gathered at the school for a sunny afternoon of reminiscing, reuniting, good grub and a few nostalgic sing-alongs. Explorer West’s multi-talented music teacher, Aurora de la Cuz, led the former students in creative tributes to memorable and happy times at Explorer West. Aurora has a special talent for writing clever lyrics with pairing them with familiar tunes. Watch the videos below for some musical salutes from our enthusiastic alumni. Thanks, Aurora and Explorer West Graduates. Happy 20th!

Explorer West is accepting applications for our fall outdoor education program. Our Outdoor Education (OE) Leaders play an important role in the kick off of our school year as they lead our middle school students on adventures throughout Washington.

To apply, review our posting here and send your resume to our Outdoor Education Coordinator as soon as possible. Qualified candidates will have experience in the outdoors leading middle school aged groups, a positive attitude and strong teamwork skills.

Ready to learn more about Explorer West? We welcome you to walk through the blue doors and experience our community!

Explorer West will hold three Open Houses this Fall for families who are interested in learning more about the school for their child. Families who are interested in applying for the 2017-18 school year for 6th, 7th or 8th grade are strongly encouraged to attend one of the events to get an overview of the programs and learn more about the school. Individual student and family visits begin October 3rd and are reserved for families who are applying to the school for the fall of 2017 (please see or admissions page for details).

If you are a prospective family with a student in 4th or 5th grade, Open Houses are the best way for you to learn about the school and discover if you would like to apply for 6th grade. Click on any of the dates below to link to our Eventbrite page to RSVP to the event.

In addition, we will be at two fairs this Fall to share our programs with the community.
Please come and visit us and learn more!
Seattle Independent School Fair, Wednesday, October 19, 6-8 pm @ Northgate Community Center
Independent School Fair for People of Color, Wednesday, October 26th, 6-8 pm @ Rainier Community Center.

]]>Wilderness First Aid Class to be held at Explorer Westhttp://explorer-west.org/wilderness-first-aid-class-to-be-held-at-explorer-west/
Tue, 26 Jul 2016 18:53:32 +0000http://explorer-west.org/?p=4293Explorer West Middle School, in partnership with Longleaf Wilderness Medicine, is presenting a 2-day (16 hour) Wilderness First Aid class on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28. This is a great local opportunity to learn basic medical skills needed to respond confidently to medical emergencies in remote environments and earn a nationally recognized certification.

This class is open to the public, participants must be 16 years old to attend the WFA course.

Topics include: patient assessment, how to provide long-term care with limited resources, the decision of when to call for more help, and treatments such as splinting, wound care and managing spine injuries. The course includes classroom time, as well as extensive hands-on skills practice through medical scenarios and labs.

There is also an optional Basic Life Support (CPR) course available on Monday, August 29 which can be taken in connection with the Wilderness First Aid or on a standalone basis. The Wilderness First Aid course fee is $195 and the additional CPR course is $65. For more information and to register please visit: http://www.longleafmedical.com/LWM-WFA099-82716-Seattle.html

]]>2016 Manvel Schauffler Award goes to EW graduate Devin Graveshttp://explorer-west.org/2016-manvel-schauffler-award-goes-to-ew-graduate-devin-graves/
Wed, 13 Jul 2016 23:42:36 +0000http://explorer-west.org/?p=42832016 Explorer West graduate Devin Graves was recognized as a student of excellence with the Manvel Schauffler Award during this year’s commencement ceremony. Manvel Schauffler, a founding board member of Explorer West, played an integral role in the development of the school. “Schauff” used to say “the sun always shines on the righteous.” We see many sunny days ahead for Devin Graves. Congratulations, Devin!
]]>Congratulations to our 2016 Explorer West Graduates!http://explorer-west.org/congratulations-to-our-2016-explorer-west-graduates/
Thu, 07 Jul 2016 00:02:54 +0000http://explorer-west.org/?p=4272We are so proud of you all – you did it! Much success to you all as you head to high school!